HCR 98: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-22
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-05-08: Received notice of Adoption in House (Hse. Com. No. 891).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This resolution asks Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book of pre‑reviewed, code‑compliant home designs to speed up permit approvals and lower regulatory barriers for safe, affordable, and well‑designed homes, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise buildings. It also asks for a design competition, public release of the pattern book, and for the Department of Planning and Permitting to provide streamlined permitting for projects that use the approved designs.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.
REQUESTING the department of housing and land management of the city and county of honolulu to develop a COUNTYWIDE housing pattern book to streamline permit approvals and reduce regulatory barriers for safe, affordable, and well-designed homes.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
98 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.
WHEREAS, the State faces a severe housing shortage that has made homeownership and stable housing increasingly out of reach for many residents; and
WHEREAS, increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and community‑compatible housing remains a statewide priority, but production is often slowed by complex permitting processes, inconsistent design standards, and regulatory barriers that add cost and delay; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully designed housing contributes to dignity, stability, and well-being, and the quality of the built environment, including attractive homes and walkable neighborhoods, can positively affect physical and mental health and support thriving communities; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich tradition of climate‑responsive architecture, including lanais, natural cross-ventilation, shading, and indoor‑outdoor living elements that are well suited to local conditions and culture; and
WHEREAS, a housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential designs that comply with applicable codes can reduce design costs, expedite permitting, and accelerate housing production while maintaining safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
WHEREAS, similar programs in places such as New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, have demonstrated that pre‑approved housing designs can successfully accelerate construction of accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise housing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to develop a countywide housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential building designs that comply with the City and County of Honolulu's applicable building codes and best practices for safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to:
(1) Include designs suitable for a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise multifamily buildings; and
(2) Incorporate culturally appropriate and climate‑responsive design elements that promote healthy and attractive living environments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to include a design competition to attract innovative and high‑quality designs for inclusion in the housing pattern book; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in developing the housing pattern book, the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to collaborate with the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu, architects, builders, energy‑efficiency experts, public health professionals, and community stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to be made publicly available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to provide streamlined permitting for projects utilizing approved pattern‑book designs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Director of the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu, and Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.
City and County of Honolulu; Housing Pattern Book; Streamlined Permitting
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
98 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES ACROSS OAHU.
WHEREAS, the State faces a severe housing shortage that has made homeownership and stable housing increasingly out of reach for many residents; and
WHEREAS, increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and community‑compatible housing remains a statewide priority, but production is often slowed by complex permitting processes, inconsistent design standards, and regulatory barriers that add cost and delay; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully designed housing contributes to dignity, stability, and well-being, and the quality of the built environment, including attractive homes and walkable neighborhoods, can positively affect physical and mental health and support thriving communities; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich tradition of climate‑responsive architecture, including lanais, natural cross-ventilation, shading, and indoor‑outdoor living elements that are well suited to local conditions and culture; and
WHEREAS, a housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential designs that comply with applicable codes can reduce design costs, expedite permitting, and accelerate housing production while maintaining safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
WHEREAS, similar programs in places such as New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, have demonstrated that pre‑approved housing designs can successfully accelerate construction of accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise housing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to develop a countywide housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential building designs that comply with applicable building codes and best practices for safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to:
(1) Include designs suitable for a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise multifamily buildings; and
(2) Incorporate culturally appropriate and climate‑responsive design elements that promote healthy and attractive living environments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to include a design competition to attract innovative and high‑quality designs for inclusion in the housing pattern book; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in developing the housing pattern book, the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to collaborate with county planning departments, architects, builders, energy‑efficiency experts, public health professionals, and community stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to be made publicly available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to provide streamlined permitting for projects utilizing approved pattern‑book designs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.
City and County of Honolulu; Housing Pattern Book; Streamlined Permitting
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
98 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING the department of housing and land management of the city and county of honolulu to develop a COUNTYWIDE housing pattern book to streamline permit approvals and reduce regulatory barriers for safe, affordable, and well-designed homes.
WHEREAS, the State faces a severe housing shortage that has made homeownership and stable housing increasingly out of reach for many residents; and
WHEREAS, increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and community‑compatible housing remains a statewide priority, but production is often slowed by complex permitting processes, inconsistent design standards, and regulatory barriers that add cost and delay; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully designed housing contributes to dignity, stability, and well-being, and the quality of the built environment, including attractive homes and walkable neighborhoods, can positively affect physical and mental health and support thriving communities; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich tradition of climate‑responsive architecture, including lanais, natural cross-ventilation, shading, and indoor‑outdoor living elements that are well suited to local conditions and culture; and
WHEREAS, a housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential designs that comply with applicable codes can reduce design costs, expedite permitting, and accelerate housing production while maintaining safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
WHEREAS, similar programs in places such as New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, have demonstrated that pre‑approved housing designs can successfully accelerate construction of accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise housing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to develop a countywide housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential building designs that comply with applicable building codes and best practices for safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to:
(1) Include designs suitable for a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise multifamily buildings; and
(2) Incorporate culturally appropriate and climate‑responsive design elements that promote healthy and attractive living environments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to include a design competition to attract innovative and high‑quality designs for inclusion in the housing pattern book; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in developing the housing pattern book, the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to collaborate with county planning departments, architects, builders, energy‑efficiency experts, public health professionals, and community stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to be made publicly available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to provide streamlined permitting for projects utilizing approved pattern‑book designs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Director of the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu, and Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.
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OFFERED BY: |
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City and County of Honolulu; Housing Pattern Book; Streamlined Permitting
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Date
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Status
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| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of Adoption in House (Hse. Com. No. 891). |
| May 8, 2026 | Resolution adopted in final form. |
| May 8, 2026 | Adopted as amended in SD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Hussey, Kong, Quinlan excused (3). |
| May 8, 2026 | House agrees to Senate amendment(s). |
| May 6, 2026 | One (1) day notice, Friday, 05-08-26. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 749) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-24-26. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Reported from EIG/HOU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3896) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Richards, Fevella. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on HOU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HOU were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Chang, Hashimoto, Elefante, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG/HOU has scheduled a public hearing on 04-16-26 1:30PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Referred to EIG/HOU. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 556). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Adopted with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1856-26), recommending adoption. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Poepoe, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Woodson. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on WAL as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Reported from HSG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1653-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to WAL. |
| Mar 27, 2026 | The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Evslin, Miyake, Grandinetti, Kila, Kitagawa, Cochran; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) La Chica, Muraoka, Pierick. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Resolution scheduled to be heard by HSG on Friday, 03-27-26 9:30AM in conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | Referred to HSG, WAL, referral sheet 18 |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Offered |
| Mar 12, 2026 | To be offered. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
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| Apr 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on HOU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Housing |
Passed |
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 27, 2026 | The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Housing |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Grassroot Institute of Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 16, 2026 |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 16, 2026 | HCR98_HD1_TESTIMONY_EIG-HOU_04-16-26_.PDF |
| Apr 7, 2026 | HCR98_HD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 27, 2026 | HCR98_TESTIMONY_HSG_03-27-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
4MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
42SEC
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
45SEC
House Standing Committee on Housing
1MIN
